VA hosts 2024 Quadrennial Women Veterans Summit

VA hosted the 2024 Quadrennial Women Veterans Summit, “The Year of Empowerment,” at the Washington Hilton Hotel on September 5-7. 

This forum brought together women Veterans, transitioning service women, Veteran Service Organizations, state and local government leaders, community partners and other stakeholders to learn about and share better opportunities for the fastest-growing demographic within the Veteran community. 

“Women Veterans are the fastest growing cohort, as there are more than two million throughout the country today—the highest number in our nation’s history,” said VA Deputy Secretary Tanya Bradsher. “Just last year, we had a record number of 53,000 women Veterans who enrolled with VA. The Department has improved its health care services for women Veterans—including expanded breast cancer screening, mammograms, treatment for toxic exposure, menopause care and reproductive services, including IVF. Today, any Veteran can go to any ER and get treatment for suicidal crisis for free.”

The Women Veterans Summit had its largest attendance to date, with approximately 900 participants engaging in transparent dialogue to identify areas for improvement. VA experts and external partners shared women-focused research and innovative strategies through educational breakout sessions, expert presentations and dynamic panel discussions.

“This summit serves as a hub linking VA’s benefits and services for women Veterans, while also bringing together resources from our public and private partners,” explained Executive Director of VA’s Center for Women Veterans Lourdes Tiglao. “Our goal is to provide all available services, benefits and information in one place, aiming to increase access, reduce barriers and enhance recognition for women Veterans.”

Approximately 139 participants registered for VA services in person, quickly connecting Veterans and their families to much-needed resources. Among the highlights, a VA benefits Decision Review Officer (DRO) discovered discrepancies in one participant’s benefits record and corrected them, resulting in a retroactive payment of around $93,000.

“We are here to simplify the path for you because you have earned these benefits and services,” said Lisa Pape, senior advisor to the Deputy Under Secretary for Health. “It’s our privilege and an honor to recognize those who came before us. The VA never loses sight of this, and we take every opportunity to honor our nation’s most sacred treasure—our Veterans.”

Tiglao and Pape closed the impactful three-day event with a heartfelt and special thank you to the women Veterans.

“A million threads weave the fabric of this nation. There are so many stories out there. To all of you women Veterans who are listening or here, I ask you to lift your voices to be heard. To empower and advocate for the women beside you,” Tiglao shared.

“We’re grateful for every one of you. Our appreciation for you is deep, but our admiration for you is even more profound,” Pape added.

To learn more about the Women Veterans Summit and the Center for Women Veterans, subscribe to its newsletter at www.va.gov/womenvet and follow them on Facebook and X @VAWomenVets. 

See photographs of the Summit at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/veteransaffairs/albums/72177720321239280.